We're still hoping for a white Christmas here in Mercer, but the calendar marches on despite the weather. Read on for our year-end events here at the library, including a newly-scheduled New Year's Eve celebration at the Mercer School Forest.

It's important to make time for rest and relaxation this holiday season, too, so stop in for a good book to read, a puzzle to work on, a movie to watch, or a board game to play. Please note our holiday schedule: We'll be closed on December 25 and 26, and again on January 1.

Wishing our library friends a very happy new year,

Teresa Schmidt

director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | 715-476-2366

FREE Wrapping station

The Friends of the Library have put together a FREE wrapping station, available now through December 23. It's stocked with wrapping paper, gift bags, bows, ribbon, tissue paper, gift tags, and more, all thanks to donations from our Friends of the Library members. Bring in your presents to wrap, spread out in our meeting room, enjoy the peace and quiet, and get your wrapping done. Tell your friends: All are welcome to use it!

Artist in Residence closing reception 12/16

Artist in Residence Sandy Cashman will host a Closing Reception on Saturday, December 16th at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the library. Attendees of all ages can enjoy refreshments and a free holiday ornament painting craft.

Sandy will be holding a sale on all prints and original paintings on display. The library also has a selection of her Christmas cards available for purchase, and a portion of every card sale will be donated to the library. Stop by to take a look!

Tuesday afternoon movie & crafts

Mercer School has an early-release day on Tuesday, and kids are invited to the library for a holiday movie, popcorn, and crafts. The event will be from 12:30 to 2:30pm on December 19th.

We'll be watching The Grinch (2018, rated PG for brief rude humor) and making some holiday cards and gifts.

New Year's Eve StoryWalk

Kids and families are invited to a StoryWalk Celebration on New Year's Eve at the Carol Hannemann Mercer School Forest!

We'll light the StoryWalk loop with ice lanterns from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Walk the story with the librarian at 4:30pm and join us in the heated yurt for more stories, hot cocoa, and other activities at 5:00pm. The event is free and all are welcome!

The school forest is located on the east side of Martha Lake Road, just north of Roamer Road. (Google Map) (Trail map)

Friends' Post-Holiday Party

Mark your calendar for the Friends' Annual Holiday Party on the evening of Friday, January 5th. The event will be a potluck with an Italian theme, and all members of the Friends of the Library are welcome. Please call the library at 715-476-2366 to RSVP.

Not a member of the Friends? A donation in any amount can change that. Click here to make a donation, and then join us for the party. We are always happy to welcome new members!

Recycle your stringed lights

The Mercer Lions and Habitat for Humanity of Wausau are still collecting stringed lights for recycling again this holiday season. Drop off your working or non-working holiday lights in the bin at the library now through January 8, 2024.

Mercer Public Library | 715-476-2366 | director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | mercerpubliclibrary.org

Winter hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9-5 -- Tue, Thu 9-6 -- Sat 9-12